|
|
 |
|
 |
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)
|
|
SUE is a nondestructive method of detecting underground
utilities.
|
|
|
|
|
Background
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is a nondestructive method
of detecting underground utilities. It includes designating the
horizontal and vertical location of the utilities, land
surveying, locating, data reduction, and presentation of the
information utilizing CaiCE software and Microstation. SUE can
be Level B, designate technology, or Level A, vacuum excavation
(potholing).
Services
United Consulting performs both Level B and Level A SUE
services. During a Level B investigation the horizontal and
vertical location of underground utilities are indicated using
surface geophysical techniques such as Ground Penetrating Radar
(GPR), electromagnetic, magnetic or other energy fields.
Electromagnetic methods include the following: pipe and cable
locators (inductive, conductive, active, and passive modes),
terrain conductivity, ground penetrating radar, ground
resistivity techniques, optical methods, and computer-driven
algorithms coupled with data collection techniques. This method
usually provides adequate, acceptable utility location data.
However, if problems are encountered during the Level B
investigation a Level A, vacuum exploration can be performed. A
Level A investigation involves locating the precise horizontal
and vertical positions of utilities by excavating a test hole to
expose the utility. A vacuum excavation method is then employed
to minimize the possibility of damage to a utility line.
Experience
United Consulting just finished a Level B SUE investigation on
SR 133 for the Georgia Department of Transportation. Our
investigation will consist of four phases. Each phase involves
underground and overhead utility location and identification
associated with the widening of SR 133 between Moultrie and
Albany, Georgia. The SUE data will be included into the GIS
database and represented on the construction drawings. |
| |
|
|
